Signal Decay

Signal Decay is a term used by scientists for the loss, or corruption, of information:

•As the data passes through a certain distance of space and/or,•As the data passes through a certain period of time and/or,•As the data passes through a certain number of generations

Our realization of Signal Decay is an exercise in cognition

We provide the First “simple” drawing. We randomly choose a volunteer to look at the First drawing for 10 seconds and then, without ever looking at the drawing again, to recreate that drawing from memory to the best of their ability. We tell our volunteer that they can take as much time as they like to complete their drawing.Then, we randomly choose another volunteer to look at the Second drawing ONLY for 10 seconds and then, without ever looking at the drawing again, to recreate that drawing from memory to the best of their ability. We tell our volunteer that they can take as much time as they like to complete their drawing.Then, we randomly choose another volunteer to look at the Third drawing ONLY for 10 seconds and then, without ever looking at the drawing again, to recreate that drawing from memory to the best of their ability. We tell our volunteer that they can take as much time as they like to complete their drawing.Repeat…again and again through several generations.What we have found after dozens of realizations is that the human brain – certainly when using short term visual memory - rather rapidly seeks to simplify the information and reduce it to abstraction. Eventually the image (data) stabilizes in a simplified – or basic – form.Apparently, the seemingly simplest of drawings is in fact quite complex.For us, this work of art raises questions about visual perception, image complexity, memory, authorship, audience interaction with art, definitions of drawing, and the functions of art in general.

However, for people in advertising, public relations, and politics, the message is clear and simple: keep your message clear and simple.

Signal Decay

Signal Decay is a term used by scientists for the loss, or corruption, of information:

•As the data passes through a certain distance of space and/or,•As the data passes through a certain period of time and/or,•As the data passes through a certain number of generations

Our realization of Signal Decay is an exercise in cognition

We provide the First “simple” drawing. We randomly choose a volunteer to look at the First drawing for 10 seconds and then, without ever looking at the drawing again, to recreate that drawing from memory to the best of their ability. We tell our volunteer that they can take as much time as they like to complete their drawing.Then, we randomly choose another volunteer to look at the Second drawing ONLY for 10 seconds and then, without ever looking at the drawing again, to recreate that drawing from memory to the best of their ability. We tell our volunteer that they can take as much time as they like to complete their drawing.Then, we randomly choose another volunteer to look at the Third drawing ONLY for 10 seconds and then, without ever looking at the drawing again, to recreate that drawing from memory to the best of their ability. We tell our volunteer that they can take as much time as they like to complete their drawing.Repeat…again and again through several generations.What we have found after dozens of realizations is that the human brain – certainly when using short term visual memory - rather rapidly seeks to simplify the information and reduce it to abstraction. Eventually the image (data) stabilizes in a simplified – or basic – form.Apparently, the seemingly simplest of drawings is in fact quite complex.For us, this work of art raises questions about visual perception, image complexity, memory, authorship, audience interaction with art, definitions of drawing, and the functions of art in general.

However, for people in advertising, public relations, and politics, the message is clear and simple: keep your message clear and simple.